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The guy who gave Hamlet a one-star review is either a tongue-cheek humorist of the first order, or barring that, an absolute idiot.
The charm of the language is equal to the complexity of the story. Shakespeare's words are an art form without equal, exquisitely mixed with a story of human anguish and emotional struggle. I had previously read translated versions of Hamlet, but I discovered that nothing compares to reading it in the original English. The genius of this work is not the language alone, but the mastery of describing Hamlet's inner hell. No staging of this work or great movie of the play can replace reading the play word by word. Admittedly, reading the play is intense and difficult work, but the joy of the journey is quite worth the pain. Personally, I think Ophelia was another tortured soul on whom Shakespeare showered extra attention to describe her suffering. This work doesn't need my modest praise; Read this master piece.
What can one possibly say about the greatest literary work every written in the English language. Why does he delay acting. The play is profound for the questions it raises as well as for its language. Read it again. While some of the words are difficult to understand without a guide it is worth reading an edition that provides this interpretation. Hamlet is a work that is subject to multiple interpretations. Just this. What is justice.
If you read it 20 years ago it may well mean something different to you now. Was Hamlet mad. It amazed me on reading it again after many years how many lines are in common use now. It is also worth getting an edition that provides some scholarly interpretation as well.
I am not of that school of thought. Still, count up the dead bodies that accumulate during the play.One of the problems with the play is the "play-within-a-play" that goes on for too long. It could be better. Usually, 10% or more of the lines get chopped. I've watched it played on a stage. I've watched a movie or two based on it. "Hamlet" is considered, by some, to be Shakespeare's best work. Fantastic directors usually manage to get it done in under three hours.
Hamlet should be played by a 16 to 18 year old. The complete Hamlet can play for over four hours, which is not good for business. So, it is easy to go wrong with this play.Nevertheless, this play fascinates us, all. Apparently, his step-father killed his father. I've read it. The play still drags.
Hamlet (the character) has problems. This obsesses Hamlet, who,also, is depressed, manic, neurotic, and fearful. Also, usually, someone much too old plays Hamlet. Do not be satisfied with only one version of this play.
shakespeare has done it again. and thanks to amazon i was allowed to fully enjoy this great masterpiece
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